So I walked into the gun shop...57 score

[dacoontz]

I too have the possibility to acquire an S prefixed 57

This thread couldn't have come at a better time. I have a shot at purchasing this model 57 pictured below. I believe those are Coke grips in decent shape and I believe the gun has the S prefix which makes sense with the period grips. Does the sight look funky to anyone but me? Also has a case and tools. What would you guys call a fair price for this piece?

 

[mtime7]

hard to tell from pics, but isnt that a mc givern sight, and those do look like cokes to me, but I am no expert, I would haft to look from the rear
Also my thoughts BUY BUY BUY

 

[dacoontz]

BUY BUY BUY

That's what I was thinking.

 

[DCWilson]

Those may be cokes, but I would have thought the checking field would run closer to the base of the panels. I can't quite visualize the size of the field with the oblique photo angles on the grip. That's a question to be answered.

The front sight is definitely a bead sight of some kind. It looks a little like a King reflector base with a white bead sight installed, but I would need to see closer photos before saying so with confidence. King bases were black, I think, and this one looks bronzed. It would be interesting to know if the rear sight blade had been swapped out for one with a rounded notch. I actually like bead sights, so that modification makes the gun a little more interesting to me. If you want a standard patridge, you could swap back to the original configuaration easily. Everything is pinned.

The finish on the gun looks a little tired but would probably look a lot better with a little polishing and some wax.

Value? Kind of a shot in the dark, but if those were cokes you wouldn't be hurt at a package price of $1400. If those are not cokes, maybe $1100-1200. S-prefix 57s don't come along every day, and certainly not with a case and tools.

All the accessories make that an interesting package. I think you should pursue it.

 

[dacoontz]

I have already started laying the foundation. Seller is a good guy selling off some pieces from his fathers gun shop that closed 20 or so years ago. He's in no big hurry so I think he'll wait for me to wrestle up the funds. Thanks for the input.

 

[Bloodhound]

I have owned lots of Smiths, but this is the first 41 Mag. Never even shot one. I was thrilled to find this gun, its just as tight as a drum, just lots of finish wear. I have to go buy a box of ammo...I will start to re-load for it in the very near future. I had to trade off some stuff, but there is no way I could walk away from the gun for $350.

Its great to see some of yours...and to see that the 41 has some loyal fans.

 

[GF1]

You'll love it. I've got a set - 4" 6", and 8 3/8". No favorite, love them all. They all shoot beautifully, actions smooth right from the factory (all bought new too many years ago).

Get some carbide dies, some Starline brass, some hard cast 215 grain SWCs, and some 2400 powder and have a ball.